Gilles Smith Purdum GALLOWAY Family Owned & Operated …

2018

JOY For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. LK 2:11

? losw/123RF Stock Photo

Saint Cecilia Church

434 NORTON ROAD ? COLUMBUS, OHIO 43228-2698

DECEMBER 23, 2018

EMAIL ADDRESS: EMAIL@

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 22: Vigil of the Fourth Sunday of Advent

5:00 p.m. Maria (Flora) Tarantelli (Frank and Eddie Kelley and Family)

Sunday, December 23: Fourth Sunday of Advent

7:30 a.m. People of the Parish 9:30 a.m. Richard Nadalin (The Reinhard Family) 12:00 p.m. S. I. Cindi Murnane (Rose Murnane)

Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve

5:00 p.m. Ellen Nadalin (Jayne Bell) 8:00 p.m. Bill and Phyllis Hand (Marge Griesdorn) 11:15 p.m. Office of Readings

Tuesday, December 25: The Nativity of the Lord 12:00 a.m. People of the Parish

9:30 a.m. Christine Murnane Briggs (Pat Murnane)

Wednesday, December 26: Saint Stephen, The First Martyr

8:15 a.m. Pauline Nonnenmacher (Paul and Anita Carlisle)

Thursday, December 27: Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

8:15 a.m. Bill and Phyllis Hand (Janice Prenger)

Friday, December 28: The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

8:15 a.m. Douglas Parnell (Brian and Stephanie Griffin)

Saturday, December 29: Vigil of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

5:00 p.m. Alice Harsh (Donna Powers)

Sunday, December 30: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

7:30 a.m. People of the Parish 9:30 a.m. Harry Hart (The Kaufman and Hart Family) 12:00 p.m. The Deceased Members of the Dete and Murnane Families (Rose Murnane)

The Rosary will be prayed at 7:50 a.m. and Mass held at 8:15 a.m.Wednesday

through Friday this week.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 23: No SCRIP Sales* No PSR Classes and no Children's Liturgy of the Word*

After all Masses Food Pantry Collection, Gathering Space 1:00 p.m. Church Decorating, Church 1:30 p.m. Basketball Games, Parish Center 7:00 p.m. Bingo, School Hall*

Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve Parish Office closed*

School Vacation begins*

Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day Parish Office closed*

No Bingo*

Wednesday, December 26: 11:15 a.m. Intercessory Prayer, Meditation Room* 5:00 p.m. Basketball Practice, Parish Center

Thursday, December 27: 5:00 p.m. Basketball Practice, Parish Center

Friday, December 28: 9:00 a.m. Basketball Tournament, Parish Center

Saturday, December 29: No SCRIP Sales*

9:00 a.m. Basketball Tournament, Parish Center After 5:00 p.m. Mass Food Pantry Collection, Gathering Space After 5:00 p.m. Mass St. Vincent de Paul Society "Fifth Sunday" Collection, Gathering Space*

Sunday, December 30: No SCRIP Sales* No PSR Classes and no Children's Liturgy of the Word*

After all Masses Food Pantry Collection, Gathering Space After all Masses St. Vincent de Paul Society "Fifth Sunday" Collection, Gathering Space*

1:30 p.m. Basketball Games, Parish Center 7:00 p.m. Bingo, School Hall

*Please see bulletin announcement for more details.

COLLECTION COUNTERS

This Wednesday, December 26 Tim Culbertson and Michael Case Next Wednesday, January 2 Chuck Matson and Mary Gibbons

HOLY DAYS SCHEDULE

Holy Day Masses: There is an obligation to attend Mass for Christmas and also the Solemnity of Mary. Masses for Christmas will be on Monday, December 24, 2018 at 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and at Midnight (with Office of Readings beginning at 11:15 p.m.). There will be one Mass on Christmas Morning at 9:30 a.m. The Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Mary will be at 5:00 p.m. on December 31, 2018. Mass on January 1, 2019 will be at 9:30 a.m.

PASTOR'S CORNER

As I am writing this on Friday, December 14, 2018 due to holiday deadlines being moved up, I am fascinated by an item that appeared on the internet and social media. A certain company has invited people to apply for an opportunity to go for a whole year without using a Smartphone. If the person who is selected is successful, they will receive $100,000. My assumption is that the person who is selected will have to be a person who is presently using a Smartphone extensively. Being successful in this effort would be quite a feat but certainly not impossible. We have grown accustomed to instant communication whether it is between family and friends or access to news, information, bank accounts and shopping. For some reason, this led me to think about the stark contrast between the circumstances of Jesus' birth that we are celebrating. When Jesus was born, there was no instant communication. The media was not hanging out outside the inn or the stable in Bethlehem. There were no family or friends present to assist the parents of this newborn child. There was no birth announcement in a newspaper. The Son of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords comes into the world in obscurity, unnoticed by anyone except a few shepherds. We do not know the day, hour or even year of Jesus' birth. We know little to nothing about his childhood and young adulthood. Yet millions throughout the world are engaging in many forms of celebrating His birth. This leads us to an interesting question that we can ask ourselves or others: Why?

There are many possible answers to this question. This has become especially true in these times that have been called "post-Christian" and secular. Many identify themselves as spiritual but not religious. Many have decided to no longer be affiliated with a particular religious tradition or denomination. We also live in times in which the weaknesses and sinfulness of people of faith, including those who hold positions of leadership and ministry in Churches and denominations, have become a source of scandal. Many see science and faith as incompatible.

It is no secret that many parishes and churches have a large attendance on Christmas Eve and Day. Why? It may simply out of tradition or to please family/friends. At the risk of appearing na?ve or unrealistic, I believe that once we are able to move beyond the superficial or immediately apparent reasons whether they be positive or negative, we may come to an awareness that there is a part of us which is spiritual in nature. We search for a sense of hope, peace, justice, meaning, joy, faith, love and life!

Despite all the wonders that humanity has been able to accomplish, there remain realities that elude us and that we are not able to do on our own. There are realities that remain mysterious but are very real. Maybe, just maybe, this child whose birth is being celebrated, who came into the world in obscurity and about whom there are many things we don't know or understand, may be able to lead us to those realities for we search! They are even more valuable than $100,000 or the most expensive gifts you receive or give!

We are not perfect here at St. Cecilia, nor do we have all the answers! We, too, are searching! However, we are glad you are here and we hope you may return to us as we follow the Child and the Mystery!

Blessed Christmas! Father Leo Connolly

Parish Website: Looking for us on Facebook? Go to saintceciliachurch Also on Twitter @stceciliach

VOCATION VIEWS

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Mary set out in haste, carrying the good news of God's great love. Wherever

you go today, take God with you.

CHRISTMAS: A Child is born for us; a son given to us! Such good news deserves to be heard. Who will proclaim the

tidings of great joy in the world?

READINGS FOR DECEMBER 30 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

Reading I ? Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Reading II ? Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel ? Luke 2:41-52

LIFE FOCUS QUESTIONS

? How do you experience your family as a "domestic church"?

? Where do you find "holy imperfection" in your own family?

? How does your family support each other in times of stress and sadness?

? In the gospel Jesus calls the temple, "my Father's house." Do you feel at home in your church community? How do you experience it as a place of shelter and welcome? How might you help it grow to be even more a house of God?

READINGS FOR JANUARY 1 MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

Reading I ? Numbers 6:22-27 Reading II ? Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel ? Luke 2:16-21

LIFE FOCUS QUESTIONS

? In the first reading, Aaron is instructed by God on how to bless the people. In this NewYear, how might we dedicate our lives to be a blessing for all those around us?

? In the second reading from Galatians we hear God referred to as "Abba, Father!" In your prayer life, how do you address God?

? We can imagine how the shepherds' lives might have changed that night they drew close to Jesus in the manger. How has your faith grown and deepened this Christmas season?

BINGO THANKS

Many thanks to our workers who recently helped at our Bingo Games: Tuesday, December 11: Manager: Mike Silva; Caller: Michael Case; Bingo: Joan Giesman; Instant: Brenda Case, Rosalie Fuller, Mark Kelby, Kip McMahon; Kitchen: Heather Gossett, Katie Kapala; Bakers: Sheri Nichols, Phyllis Nichols

ALTAR LINENS

Tuesday, January 1, 2019 through Thursday, January 31, 2019 Dru Pritchard

EGIVING WITH FAITH DIRECT

Faith Direct enables parishioners to make church contributions either by direct debit from your checking/savings account or through your credit/debit card. No more writing checks or searching for envelopes on the way out the door. Now you can apply the convenience of direct debit to your parish offerings in much the same way as you may now use it to make your mortgage, car or tuition payments. Faith Direct also offers you personalized offertory cards to replace your envelopes for the collection basket. Please join me in enrolling by visiting to enroll securely online. Our parish code is OH857. God Bless You! Rev. Leo Connolly

WEDNESDAY ? 11:15 A.M.

Join us in the Meditation Room to pray GIVE THANKS FOR

THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST

WELCOMING COMMITTEE

The welcoming committee is available for all new and present parishioners to give church tours, do home visits or answer any questions you may have. For questions and comments send emails to charlene.plante@ or call 860-3384892, or you may call the parish office at 614-878-5353.

CALENDAR NOTES

Our PSR and PSR Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Classes are on Christmas Break. Classes will resume on Sunday and Monday, January 6 & 7, 2019. Children's Liturgy of the Word will also resume in January. Saint Cecilia School begins their Christmas Break on Monday, December 24, 2018. Classes will resume on Monday, January 7, 2019. Please note that there are no weekend SCRIP sales cards after the Masses until the New Year. You may still come to the Parish Office during the normal business hours on weekdays to get cards. The St. Cecilia Parish Office will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 24 AND 25 and also Tuesday, January 1, 2019. We will not have Bingo on Christmas Day, December 25, but will have it on New Year's Day, January 1, using a volunteer team. If interested in helping that night, please call the Parish Office, 614-878-5353.

IS HELP NEEDED?

If you or a family member can use any of the things mentioned below, please ask one of our Ministers of Hospitality for help before Mass. ? We have gluten-free hosts available. Please inform

the Minister of Hospitality that one is needed. The host will be consecrated with the others. You will need to be in the Communion line for Father. ? For those with mobility issues, you may request that Communion be brought to your seat. The Minister of Hospitality will then let our Ministers of Communion know. ? We have auditory assistance devices which may be used during Mass. They amplify the sounds.

JOB POSTINGS FOR SAINT CECILIA SCHOOL

1. Cafeteria Manager ? St. Cecilia School is searching for a School Cafeteria Manager. This person will manage the individual school food service operation in an organized and efficient manner by directing the activities of cafeteria workers, while also meeting state and division requirements. The candidate must possess the ability to manage resources (people, equipment, food, finances, etc.) to best meet the nutritional needs of the students and the expectations of the diocese. Candidate must possess any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school. Experience and proficiency in quantity food service functions are preferred. This person must have current BCI/FBI background checks and have taken or be willing to take Protecting God's Children. If you are interested in being considered for the position, please send letter of introduction and resume to Lori Smith, the building principal, at lsmith@.

2. Cafeteria Worker ? St. Cecilia School is searching for a part-time cafeteria worker. The cafeteria worker prepares and serves cafeteria food, and maintains the cafeteria and dining area in sanitary condition. The candidate will work under the leadership of the cafeteria manager and be expected to work 20 hours weekly. This person must have current BCI/FBI background checks and have taken or be willing to take Protecting God's Children. If you are interested in being considered for the position, please send letter of introduction and resume to Lori Smith, the building principal, at lsmith@ .

SAINT CECILIA SCHOOL NEWS: GRANT RECEIVED!

We are so happy to announce that St. Cecilia has received a $20,000 grant in order to support the position of Cultural Diversity Specialist through the Catholic Foundation. Mrs. Laura Kreber has been such a wonderful addition to our school office and the St. Cecilia community. Please offer up a prayer of thanks to The Catholic Foundation and their donors for their great generosity. With their help we are able to continue our outreach efforts to our Spanish-speaking friends and families.

ALPHA REUNION!

To all ALPHA alum: On Sunday, January 13, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., we are excited to announce the second APLHA Reunion in Meeting Rooms A & B. Join us for appetizers, music, a short video presentation, alumni testimony and fellowship! We hope to see you there and would love for you to invite your family, friends, neighbors ? anyone who you feel would be interested and benefit from ALPHA.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

If anyone would like a pocket prayer shawl, a prayer shawl, or a blanket, they are available in the servers' sacristy. Please sign your name, or the name of the recipient, in the book. Our next workshops will be held on Saturdays, January 5, February 2, and March 2. The sessions are held in the Meeting Rooms A & B from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. New participants are always welcome to join us!

"FIFTH SUNDAY" ST. VINCENT DE PAUL COLLECTION COMING UP

December 30, 2018 is a "Fifth Sunday". Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be at the church doors next weekend to accept your donations for their work with needy families in our local area. Thank you in advance for any donations you can give!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

After many months of email problems for the parish office staff, we have converted all of our existing email accounts. The email addresses are similar to the old ones. For example, frconnolly@ is now frconnolly@ (we just dropped the "saint" in the domain name). Please make a note of this change and update any email addresses you may have in your contact list. The old email accounts are still active and forwarding to the new addresses for the time being to allow for his transition. This change does not affect any of the St. Cecilia School Staff email addresses.

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